First Aid Guides
Eye injury - Chemical burn
First aid for a chemical burn to the eye
A chemical burn occurs when a liquid or powder chemical contacts the eye.
Most commonly, the injury happens when a chemical splashes over the face. However, it may also be from rubbing your eyes after handling chemicals.
Depending on the chemical and exposure time, the injury can range from temporary redness and irritation to blindness or even loss of an eye.
Read more about causes, signs and symptoms.Start with DRSABCD
D - Danger
Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.
R - Response
Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.
- If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide
- If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
First aid for chemical burns to the eye
For splashes of non-toxic liquids, irritants such as soaps or shampoos, flushing the eye with cool running water for 20 minutes is usually all the treatment you need.
However, splashes from acids or alkali chemicals (such as bleach) are serious and may cause vision loss. Don't judge the seriousness of an eye injury on the amount of pain.
If acid or alkali chemicals have made contact with someone's eye, call Triple Zero (000) and follow these steps.
Step 1: Rest and reassure
- Don't let the person rub their eyes
- Calm and reassure them
- Place them in a comfortable position
Step 2: Flush the eye with water for 20 minutes
- Use your fingers to hold your eyelids apart
- Start from the highest point and use cool running water or saline to flush the eye
- Continue to flush the eye for 20 minutes or until help arrives
- If they wear contact lenses, remove them as soon as possible
Step 3: Apply dressing and monitor
- Apply an eye pad or soft dressing over the eye
- Make sure bandaging is loose around the eye
- Stay with them and keep them calm
- If symptoms worsen, and you haven't called Triple Zero (000) seek urgent medical attention
Chemical poisoning
On rare occasions, chemicals can also cause poisoning as they are absorbed through the eye into the bloodstream.
Poisoning guide
